Looking for work? Australian tourism officials are looking for a caretaker for Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef. The job pays $100,000 for six months, and pretty much just involves lying around the beach. Maybe swim or snorkel a little. It's a promotional stunt, but the offer is for real. Applicants must submit one-minute videos as a resume, then sit back and wait for the phone call. They are accepting applications through Feb. 22, if you think you're qualified. The Web site is islandreefjob.com, but interestingly, it is difficult to get through. Must be other people interested in such employment.

Save the world

Miss Vermont will wear a green gown

A warning to Miss America Pageant watchers: Miss Vermont is going eco-friendly with her gown, so be prepared. Ashley Ruth Wheeler said the dress is the work of a Vermont designer, using natural and recycled materials like hemp, cotton, silk, lace and beads. "I thought, okay, keep the money local, and also go with environmental responsibility," Wheeler said. "It's the perfect fit." No pictures of the gown are available yet. Wheeler said it will debut at the pageant on Jan. 24.

Mmmmmm

No one is allowed to ask for seconds

While no one has ever specifically asked for the recipe for the gruel that fueled young Oliver Twist, Britain's Royal Society of Chemistry says it has developed one, and members spent Tuesday ladling it out to innocent passers-by in London. Reactions varied from pleasant surprise to full-blown disgust as people gulped down spoonfuls of the Dickensian slush, composed of oats, water, milk and onion. "It's extremely bland," said Jennifer Gilson, ignoring for a moment the oxymoronic nature of "extremely" and "bland." Organizers were disappointed that some people actually liked it. "We were hoping (chef Fabian Aid) would make it far more disgusting," a spokesman said.

Show of support

A nice sentiment, but a little illegal

Jasbir Singh of West Chester Township, Ohio, intended to show his support for police officers by displaying a Fraternal Order of Police decal on his car. For doing so, he was required to support the local department by sending them $100. A Lockland officer pulled him over and wrote Singh a ticket for displaying a law enforcement emblem, which is a violation of state and local laws. He was also required to remove the sticker. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Singh is suing to put the decal back on his car, calling it a violation of free speech.

Compiled from Times wire services and other sources by staff writer Jim Webster, who can be reached at [email protected]

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